Max Verstappen ‘looking forward to working closely’ with new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies

Max Verstappen has said he’s looking forward to working with his new boss Laurent Mekies from the Belgian Grand Prix, after it was confirmed that Mekies would become Red Bull’s new Team Principal.

Mekies’ appointment came following the departure of Christian Horner from the squad on July 9 after 20 years at the helm – Mekies moving over from Racing Bulls to replace him, with Alan Permane taking the reins at Racing Bulls.

And looking ahead to one of his two home races – Verstappen being half-Belgian on his mother’s side – the reigning champion welcomed his new team boss, before looking forward to racing at his “favourite track”.

“I was back at the factory last week to spend some time in the sim with the team,” said Verstappen. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Laurent.

“Spa is a classic and always my favourite track on the calendar,” he added, “a very old school circuit where you have to do everything right to get a good lap. I enjoy the high-speed corners such as Eau Rouge, the layout which is different to other circuits and elevation changes that make the track more of a challenge to drive.”

For team mate Yuki Tsunoda, meanwhile, it will be a case of linking back up with Mekies, Tsunoda having raced under the Frenchman at Racing Bulls before his call-up to Red Bull ahead of this year’s Japanese Grand Prix.

But with the Japanese driver having scored just seven points in his Red Bull tenure so far – Verstappen having taken 129 in the same period – Tsunoda was clear that he needed “to start delivering the performance” Red Bull require from this weekend in Belgium, which features the return of the Sprint format.

“We are coming into this race in a new era for the team and it will be good to link up again with Laurent,” said Tsunoda. “We worked really well together at… Racing Bulls. I know how he likes to work and our full focus is on pushing forward and for me personally to start delivering the performance we need.

“Spa is a fun circuit and one that could suit us well. The Sprint always makes things tricky but the work and preparation we have done in this off time should set us up nicely.

“I have spent the time off racing mixed between training very hard and using the break to mentally reset. I wanted to be the best prepared I could be coming into Spa and in better condition, mentally and physically. I am feeling strong and sharp and looking forward to these next two races before summer break.”

Mekies faces a challenge to close the gap to McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes in the Teams’ standings, Red Bull currently sitting P4, a full 288 points behind runaway leaders McLaren.